Chirac warns French ministers against deserting government duties

French President Jacques Chirac on Wednesday warned the government ministers against deserting their official duties in order to take part in electoral campaigns, a declaration seen to be aimed at Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy.

"Definitely, you are keen on taking part in the forthcoming national debate. It is legitimate that you should feel this way and the citizenry is looking forward to your contribution," said Chirac when he elaborated his government's vows for the last time during his second term in office on Wednesday.

"But this can only be possible within a clearly defined framework. Your contribution to the electoral process should not in anyway hamper your official duties," he said, pointing to Sarkozy who is the ruling Union for a Popular Movement party's only candidate for the French presidential election.

Chirac hailed the work accomplished by the government under Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, saying that the ministers had "every reason to be proud of their achievements under the leadership of the Prime Minister."

He also emphasized on the need for "total mobilization" against insecurity, unemployment and "in helping the under-privileged," particularly putting forward the creation of the "legal right" to housing in support of the country's homeless.

Source: Xinhua